After the economic turmoil of the past 15 years, many workers struggle financially which affects their well-being and productivity. Clark discusses how employers are addressing this. Also, a huge financial drain on so many, long-term care , is becoming increasingly tougher to insure. Small Business Retirement Plans: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Long-Term Care Insurance: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Workplace Financial Coaching Has Become Ever More Important Retirement ...
Mar 20, 2024•29 min
In researching auto insurance, Clark has discovered some stats about the wide cost differences between various companies that will motivate you to shop auto insurance at renewal time if you're in bill shock. Also, have you noticed car washes popping up all over where you live? Learn what the deal is so you don’t get hosed. Shopping Auto Insurance Pays: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Car Wash Subscriptions: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: A major auto insurer returns to Cali...
Mar 19, 2024•28 min
Vehicle inventory is way up for some brands, and this creates an advantage for potential car buyers. Clark shares where the deals are. Also - There’s a shift going on with the U.S. energy supply and the way it’s provided. Clark has advice on the best play for your wallet based on the changes going on. New Car Deals: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Renewable Energy: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Dealerships Begin Swimming In Vehicle Inventory - Here Is Who's Drowning - Auto...
Mar 18, 2024•31 min
Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . Also today, Clark discusses an important factor for many that is purposely ignored by credit card review sites - interest rates on cards. How do you find the best deal? Clark Stink s : Segments 1 & 2 Best Credit Card Rates: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: How to Choose the Right Dog Rescue Group 4 Things To Know Before You Sign Up for YouTube TV The Platinum ...
Mar 15, 2024•30 min
Regarding your heart health, Clark shares news of a non-invasive test you can do routinely that can be very telling. Also in today’s show, Clark gives you the lay of the land for potential home buyers and sellers this spring, including buyer incentives on new builds. Taking Heart Health In Stride: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 The Spring Home Buying Season: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Gait speed is one of your vital signs, so make sure yours is OK Frontier Discount Den...
Mar 14, 2024•29 min
What are you paying for home internet? One provider that was low cost has now raised its prices. Clark tells you how to shop around for the best price based on your particular internet needs. Also- there’s a segment of the population long ignored when it comes to financial literacy. Clark discusses this gap and how to fix it. SAVE MORE On Home Internet: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Financial Literacy For Senior Women: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: T-Mobile quietly raise...
Mar 13, 2024•32 min
There’s a lot of talk and concern about traditional 401(k)s and IRAs going away. Clark explains. Also in this episode, baggage fees are rising again, increasing the cost of flying for customers. What to know before you get to the airport. Future 401(k)s & IRAs: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Airline Baggage Fees: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Clark Predicts Traditional 401(k)s, IRAs Will Cease To Exist Within a Decade Do Not Give Your Social Security Number at These P...
Mar 12, 2024•30 min
Junk fees are being imposed all over the place in all manner of ways these days. A new California law is going to end that practice in the state, with nationwide implications. Meantime, your Clark smart approach to purchases can help protect your wallet. Also - First TurboTax, now H&R Block is in trouble for pressuring customers to overpay. There’s a better way ! Anti Junk Fee Law: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Tax Filing: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: What does a se...
Mar 11, 2024•31 min
Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . Also in this episode: New data on US worker productivity and why this is good news for our economic growth and well-being. Clark Stink s : Segments 1 & 2 American Productivity: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Free Advice: Clark's Consumer Action Center - Clark Howard Fidelity - Automated investing: How to save and invest more Credit Karma Review: Free Credit ...
Mar 08, 2024•36 min
Banks are heavily exposed to the troubled commercial property market. Clark discusses what this means for small businesses and individuals. Also, facial recognition and biometric digital ID is becoming more prevalent, transforming your airport experiences. This brings both convenience and privacy concerns. Clarkonomics: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Travel Biometrics: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Bad property debt exceeds reserves at largest US banks IntraFi - CEDARS Wh...
Mar 07, 2024•32 min
A wonderful culture shift has taken place. Younger generations are becoming rich, and not through hitting the lottery or buying hot stocks. There are simple ways to make this happen, and we have a new tool at Clark.com to help you see how much you can save over time. Also today, bargains keep getting better! Target is getting more competitive with a storewide discount brand. Youth Saving & Investing: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Target’s New Discount Brand: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 M...
Mar 06, 2024•32 min
More than 40% of homeowners carrying a mortgage right now are over age 65. Clark discusses the implications of this obligation in terms of interest rates, loan term lengths and home prices. Also, how much can you trust a website’s chatbot? Air Canada recently got into trouble over its AI bot. What you need to know about AI in the information space, including a NEVER rule about searches. Having A Mortgage At Age 65+: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 AI Chatbot & Search Warning: Segment 3 Ask Cl...
Mar 05, 2024•31 min
If you’ve recently sold I Bonds and/or receive 1099s, Clark has an important tax tip for you. Also today - Clark discusses some employment cross currents in play now to keep in mind as you survey the job market, and for employers to be aware of as they seek workers. I Bond Tax Tip: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 What Workers Want: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Should You Sell Your I Bonds Right Now? Making Money on I Bonds Was Easy. The Tax Paperwork Isn’t. - The Wall Str...
Mar 04, 2024•32 min
Welcome to a SPECIAL EDITION of the Clark Howard Show, where our mission is to serve and empower you to make better financial decisions in your life. Today, Clark hits on a few key basic strategies to have more money in your life: They are: - SPEND LESS: Need vs. Wants and how to tell the difference - Clark’s strategy to start saving TODAY for retirement - regardless of your age - SAVE MORE on transportation - AVOID GETTING RIPPED OFF by protecting your identity and credit Segment 1: Behavioral ...
Mar 02, 2024•28 min
Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . Also in this episode - Clark has serious reservations about the breakdown of standards in the hotel industry, especially when it comes to booking a room. There’s important new info to be aware of when planning travel. Clark Stinks : Segments 1 & 2 Hotel Booking Warning: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: 15 of the Best Free Workout And Fitness Apps How To Get a ...
Mar 01, 2024•36 min
A common mistake car owners make is facilitating the rise in auto theft . There are 2 things you can do to protect your wheels. Also today - After the health club failures of 20 & 21 the industry roared back and stayed strong through 23. New stats show that trend is now reversing, which will affect the offers you’ll see. Clark explains the best way to handle gym membership to protect your wallet. Car Theft Prevention: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Gym Memberships: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segme...
Feb 29, 2024•28 min
Scammers are using a new tactic to get to you and your money, and it’s up close & in person. Also, the days of working for one company for an entire career are long gone. Clark discusses creating financial stability in an age marked by inconsistent and unstable employment . FBI Scam Warning: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Job Uncertainty & Your Savings: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: When cybercrime leaves the web: FBI warns that scammers could come right to your d...
Feb 28, 2024•30 min
Clark discusses “nonprofit” hospitals and two crucial steps to take if you get a large hospital bill. Also today, there are multitudes of properties bought for the sole purpose of renting them out, but the rules of the game keep changing. To protect your finances, follow Clark’s rule for buying investment properties. Negotiate Hospital Bills: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Short Term Rental Property: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Nonprofit hospitals have an obligation to ...
Feb 27, 2024•31 min
A common text scam just attempted to infiltrate Clark’s own company. Hear how that turned out! Also today, a warning if you receive packages from online retailers, and the one thing you need to do immediately when you do receive an item. Text Scam Targets Companies: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Retail Return Fraud: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Do Your Boss a Favor and Don't Fall for a Gift Card Scam - ITRC Think you know what the top scam of 2023 was? Take a guess What...
Feb 26, 2024•27 min
Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . Also today, do you or someone you know have a safe deposit box? Clark has a very important warning if the answer is yes. Clark Stinks : Segments 1 & 2 Unsafe Deposit Boxes: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: 6 Things To Know About Series I Savings Bonds Should You Sell Your I Bonds Right Now? When Is the Best Time To Collect Social Security? Which Home Security ...
Feb 23, 2024•28 min
CDs - Are they still a good deal? Given where inflation and interest rates are heading, Clark explains that we’ve arrived at a tipping point for savers , and how to best put your money to work. Also, a report has come out about the best supermarkets in the country. What makes them great? It’s a factor you may not think about. The SAVE MORE CD Strategy: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Best Supermarkets: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: The Best CD Rates for February 2024 Why y...
Feb 22, 2024•34 min
As the big phone companies plan big price increases , smaller competitors are taking a bigger share of the marketplace. Clark shares easy ways to keep costs down . Also, you’ve heard of getting a second opinion when it comes to medical procedures, but did you know that getting a second opinion in all sorts of consumer areas can save you big bucks? SAVE on Cell Phone Service: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Get A Second Opinion: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Comcast, Charte...
Feb 21, 2024•30 min
Venmo is publicly sharing your info. Clark has a special privacy check up for Venmo users. Later - collectively entrepreneurs set a new record last year. Get Clark’s take on entrepreneurship and its value for the economy. Venmo Privacy Check: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 On Entrepreneurship: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Venmo privacy settings to change now How To Make Your Venmo Transactions Private 4 Common Scams on Cash App, Venmo and Zelle (and How To Avoid Them!) W...
Feb 20, 2024•28 min
A new hotel fee is showing up for something a lot of people aren’t even using. How to book a room without getting ripped off. Also, knowledge is power when it comes to navigating funeral costs. The FTC has a new warning out about shady practices in the funeral industry that take advantage of grieving families. Hotel Rates + Junk Fees: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Funeral Home Rip-offs: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Hotel parking fees take a turn for the worse How to spo...
Feb 19, 2024•32 min
Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . Also today - many employers are offering a new benefit which may eliminate the need to choose between paying down student loans and saving for retirement. Clark Stinks : Segments 1 & 2 The New Student Loan/401(k) Benefit: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: How To Find Cheap Flights in 3 Easy Steps Going™ | Formerly Scott's Cheap Flights Airfarewatchdog: Cheap Fl...
Feb 16, 2024•31 min
Cruise travel is way up and with it, problems with associated trip insurance. Learn what could go wrong , and Clark smart rules for cruise travel. Also today, a follow up on Visa Vanilla gift cards and the “draining” scam that left so many people with useless plastic. Cruise Trip Coverage Warning: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Vanilla Gift Card Scam: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: NYTimes: Help! I Missed a Cruise and the Cruise Line’s Own Travel Insurance Won’t Pay. Where...
Feb 15, 2024•31 min
Happy Valentine’s Day! Where did we traditionally receive Valentine’s Day cards? The mail! There’s a big problem with our mail delivery service, and something is going to have to give. Also today, Amazon is in a fight for its life with competitors and the resultant clothing price war presents opportunity for you. USPS Mail Delays: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Clothing Price War: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Mail freeze: Latest frigid weather is adding to the postal ser...
Feb 14, 2024•29 min
With Valentine’s Day coming up tomorrow, it’s a good opportunity to give couples advice on how to avoid one of the most common things we fight over - money differences. Also today - Assumable mortgages allow qualifiers to potentially buy a house with one of the great rates that existed over the past few years. There’s a new site to help you find those homes for sale. Couples & Money: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Assumable Mortgage Resource: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the s...
Feb 13, 2024•33 min
Communities are popping up around the country that make it feel like you are living at the beach, without the high cost of insurance and upkeep. Sound too good to be true? It’s not. Also, excellent news to share concerning teens and finance. Lagoon Communities: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Teen Work Ethic: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Their Home Has Water Views and a Sandy Beach—and It’s Nowhere Near the Ocean 401(k) Rollover: What You Need To Know & Options Target...
Feb 12, 2024•32 min
Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . Also today - So many of us are addicted to our smartphones and there are new devices and methods to help us break the habit and be more present. The discipline to ditch your phone for periods of time may improve your quality of life. Clark Stinks : Segments 1 & 2 Phone-free Quality Time: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: 12 Things You Never Knew You Could Get F...
Feb 09, 2024•35 min
